# How to Send ProRes Files, with a File Size Chart

ProRes is built for editing, not for sending: an hour of 1080p ProRes 422 HQ is about 99 GB. Here is how big each flavour is and how to deliver it untouched.

_Source: https://sharelargefilesfree.com/send-prores-files · Updated 2026-09-29_

**Quick answer:** ProRes 422 HQ runs to about 1.65 GB per minute at 1080p and about 6.6 GB at UHD 4K (29.97 fps). To deliver it untouched, upload the files here (up to 20 GB per transfer) and send the download link.

## ProRes bitrates and file sizes

These are Apple's published target data rates at 29.97 fps. ProRes uses a variable bitrate, so real files can be a little smaller or larger depending on the image, and the per-minute sizes below are approximate. At 23.976 or 25 fps, sizes are roughly 15 to 20% lower.

### 1080p (1920 x 1080)

| Codec | Data rate | Per minute |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ProRes 422 Proxy | 45 Mbps | 0.34 GB |
| ProRes 422 LT | 102 Mbps | 0.77 GB |
| ProRes 422 | 147 Mbps | 1.1 GB |
| ProRes 422 HQ | 220 Mbps | 1.65 GB |
| ProRes 4444 | 330 Mbps | 2.5 GB |
| ProRes 4444 XQ | 500 Mbps | 3.75 GB |

### UHD 4K (3840 x 2160)

| Codec | Data rate | Per minute |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ProRes 422 Proxy | 182 Mbps | 1.4 GB |
| ProRes 422 LT | 409 Mbps | 3.1 GB |
| ProRes 422 | 589 Mbps | 4.4 GB |
| ProRes 422 HQ | 884 Mbps | 6.6 GB |
| ProRes 4444 | 1,326 Mbps | 9.9 GB |
| ProRes 4444 XQ | 1,989 Mbps | 14.9 GB |

To estimate any file: data rate in Mbps multiplied by 60, divided by 8, gives megabytes per minute. A 3-minute UHD music video in ProRes 422 HQ is therefore about 20 GB, while the same edit in ProRes 422 LT is about 9 GB.

## Which ProRes flavour to send

- **ProRes 422 HQ** is the usual choice for masters and for handing a conform to a colourist, because it holds up well to grading.
- **ProRes 4444 and 4444 XQ** keep an alpha channel and more colour detail, which matters for titles, graphics, VFX plates and keys. Use them only when the recipient needs them, as files are 50% larger than 422 HQ or more.
- **ProRes 422 and 422 LT** are often accepted for web deliverables and offline edits, at a fraction of the size.
- **ProRes 422 Proxy** is for offline editing and quick review on slower connections.

Always check the delivery spec first. If a client only needs to review the cut, a small H.264 file is much quicker to send; see [sending video to a client](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/send-video-to-client).

## How to send ProRes files step by step

1. **Collect everything in one folder**: the `.mov` files plus any XML, EDL or AAF, LUTs, reference exports and audio stems the recipient needs.
2. **Open the [homepage](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/)** and drag in the folder. Up to 1000 files and 20 GB per transfer.
3. **Choose Link or Email**, and add a password for unreleased work.
4. **Use a fast, stable connection** and keep the tab open. Uploads are sent in chunks and brief drops are retried automatically, but closing the tab stops the upload.

ProRes is already compressed, so zipping saves almost nothing. If a project is larger than 20 GB, split it into several transfers, for example one per reel, scene or camera.

## Timecode, metadata and quality stay intact

We never transcode or re-wrap your files. The recipient downloads the exact `.mov` you uploaded, byte for byte, so timecode, reel names, colour tags and embedded audio channels stay just as they were.

Recipients need software that can decode ProRes, such as Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects. There is no online preview here: files are downloaded and opened locally. Once the grade or conform is done, delete the transfer from the Transfers page or let it expire after 1 day.

## Frequently asked questions

### How big is one minute of ProRes 422 HQ?

About 1.65 GB at 1080p and about 6.6 GB at UHD 4K, at 29.97 fps. Lower frame rates are somewhat smaller.

### What is the bitrate of ProRes 422?

Apple's target rate for ProRes 422 is 147 Mbps at 1080p 29.97 fps and 589 Mbps at UHD 4K 29.97 fps.

### Can I send ProRes 4444 with an alpha channel?

Yes. Files are delivered unchanged, so the alpha channel and all other data are kept.

### Will the ProRes file be re-encoded?

No. The recipient downloads the original file exactly as you uploaded it.

### Does zipping ProRes files make them smaller?

Barely. ProRes is already compressed, so a ZIP is usually almost the same size.

### What if my ProRes export is larger than 20 GB?

Split it into several transfers, for example by reel or scene, or send a lighter flavour such as ProRes 422 LT if the spec allows.